FLIGHT LOG

Pell City Squadron Alabama Wing Civil Air Patrol

December 2009
CALENDAR
Dec. 3rd 5th 10th 17th 25th 31st Squadron Christmas Party & 10 Year Celebration Wing SARX @ EKY Pell City Christmas Parade Cadet meeting 1800-2030 Merry Christmas!!! Happy New Year!!!!!

Commanders Corner:
As the month of November went by us at light speed time the Holiday Season has now snuck up on us with a vengeance. The Wing held the WESS event on the weekend of November 6-8th. The next item on the calendar was Thanksgiving and spending time with family and friends for a few days. The first week of December began with the Squadron Christmas party and 10 year anniversary of operations at Pell City. The evening was a great event where we heard from past Squadron Commanders about their memories of their term as commander of the 118th. It was truly amazing to hear some of the history of the squadron and the individuals who led the 118th. Our guest speaker this year was retired Navy Admiral Dennis Brooks who entertained as well as educated us. He shared his experiences as the commander of the USS Constellation (Connie) with us. Some of the highlights were having President Regan on board the ship and his interactions with the president. Others were how upset he (the Admiral ) got when he read in the local paper about Navy personnel using drugs and how he strove to eliminate the use of drugs by those aboard his ship. The evening was -1-

full of great messages for both the officers and the cadets. I have provided a link to the web site where Beth Shurbutt has stored pictures from the evenings festivities. As more photos become available I will post them in the gallery on the squadron web site. On Saturday, December the 5th a flight crew from AL-118th participated in the Wing SARX at the Bessemer airport. Capt Jon Garlick, Lt Ron Harlan and Lt Rich Burke composed the crew from Pell City. This months newsletter is an abbreviated addition as I have not requested articles from our Safety Officer or the cadets. I know that this time of year can be very busy with the seasons events, as well as spending time with family and friends. I am attaching the National Sentinel newsletter for our safety information. Please read the information contained in the newsletter and advise Lt Harlan that you have done so. He will be able to give you credit for your monthly safety briefing. The year of 2009 has been a great one for the 118th. Our ranks have grown and we have participated in many activities. The coming year promises to be just as exciting, the Wing Commander has promised the new wing aircraft will be coming to Pell City. I was also told that the Wing is giving serious thought about moving a full size van to the squadron. As this year comes to a close, I look forward to working with everyone in 2010. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,

Capt. Chris Iddins Squadron Commander, 118

For all the pictures from the Christmas Party follow this link. http://www.flickr.com/photos/bethshurbutt/

Col. Oakman presents Cadet Shurbutt her award. Col. John Lawrence addresses the group

Admiral Brooks accepts a gift from C\Maj. Sarah Todd

Lt Bennett Address the Party. Col.Oakman presents Maj. Randolph his award.

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